The human mind is a fickle thing. Where once we may dismiss an idea or concept as unfeasible or insane, when faced with drastic circumstances we grasp at anything to console ourselves. Be it far from the truth, the human mind will create delusions that are contingent upon their stresses and quiet rational thought. In the case of "Othello," by Shakespeare, Iago use the faults of human reasoning to great effect, preying on those ill of mind. Despite the fact that he is considered Othello's trustworthy servant, this conniving man uses his stature to secure his revenge, shaping every mishap and whim to his own dastardly schemes. Iago thoroughly muddles Othello's mind, using his jealousy and persecution as the Moor against him; he becomes the puppet master of Rodrigo; and he influences Cassio when the unsuspecting lieutenant is down in the doldrums. Iago plays upon each of the characters faults- jealousy, obsession, and pride- to achieve his means. The mindset of humans is subject to the dilemmas that they are confronted with. One of the first to fall under Iago's spell is the love-struck Rodrigo. This poor man is devastated by Desdemona's marriage to the Moor, to the point where he'd even take his own life by stating "It is silliness to live when to live is torment; and then have we a prescription to die when death is our physician" (Act 1, Scene II). And who comes swooping in to secure his festering prey but the vulture Iago. Iago uses Rodrigo's unhealthy obsession of Desdemona, much akin to a stalker, against him. He tells Roderigo that he will have Desdemona and to "put money in thy purse" (Act 1, Scene II). Iago also plays upon the Moor's race and Desdemona's gender, stating that both the Moor and Desdemona would lose interest in each other when they are satisfied with their lust. Rodrigo, who is already somewhat unstable, grasps upon Iago's consoling with a passion- his only lifeline against insanity. Thus Iago gains a pawn and also much wealth as he cons Rodrigo into giving him vast amounts of money for Iago's assistance. Iago yet again uses race and gender to further his plots. At the sea port in Cyprus, Iago confides to Rodrigo that Desdemona is in love with the lieutenant. Although Rodrigo knows this is impossible, seen with his statement "I cannot believe that in her; she's full of most blessed condition" (Act 2, Scene I), his obsession blinds him to the facts. Coupled with her marriage with the Moor seen as corruption and the stereotype of women as whores, this creates a very potent potion indeed. Rodrigo's obsession with Desdemona is only on par to the man's stupidity. True, this man has clear insights through his murky mind. He confronts Iago on many occasions, saying that he has no inkling to how he will gain Desdemona's attention through his recent escapades. However, Iago is always able to convert Rodrigo's indignation back to his obsession of Desdemona, yet again quelling Rodrigo's coherent thought and turning him into a mindless automa